Inspire the Music: 50 Years of Roland History is an exceptional book by Kim Bjorn that documents the history of Roland, a company that has made a profound impact in the world of music. The book is an exquisite chronicle of the brand, its mission, and its journey throughout the past five decades. Bjorn has written a well-researched, comprehensive book that is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of electronic musical instruments.
The book is beautifully designed and packed with vibrant images and illustrations that vividly capture the evolution of Roland’s musical instruments. The author has paid great attention to detail, providing readers with a rich and engaging history of Roland. From the first electric piano, the Roland EP-30, to the revolutionary TR-808 drum machine and beyond, the book covers the evolution of the brand and its most significant contributions to the world of music.
The book is divided into five main chapters, each focusing on a specific decade of Roland’s history. The first chapter, covering the 1970s, details the birth of the brand and the release of the first Roland synthesizer. The chapter also features a detailed history of the iconic Roland Jupiter-8 synthesizer, which remains a staple in electronic music production to this day. The second chapter, which covers the 1980s, focuses on the release of the legendary Roland TR-808 drum machine, which has become an essential tool for producers across various genres of music.
The third chapter, which covers the 1990s, features the release of the Roland JD-800 synthesizer, which set the standard for digital synthesizers at the time. The chapter also details the rise of Roland’s V-Drums, which revolutionized the world of drumming. The fourth chapter, which covers the 2000s, features the release of the Roland Fantom workstation and the introduction of the V-Synth synthesizer.
The final chapter, which covers the 2010s, details Roland’s continued innovation in digital music production, with the release of the Aira series of products, including the TR-8 and System-1 synthesizers. The chapter also highlights the brand’s foray into the world of guitar effects pedals, with the release of the BOSS GT-1000 and the BOSS Waza Craft series.
One of the most impressive aspects of Inspire the Music is how Bjorn seamlessly weaves together the history of Roland’s products with the cultural and musical contexts in which they were created. The author goes beyond just listing the technical specifications of each instrument, providing readers with a deep understanding of how each product has impacted the world of music.
Moreover, the book features exclusive interviews with key figures in the music industry, including legendary producers, musicians, and engineers who have worked with Roland products throughout their careers. These interviews provide readers with a unique perspective on how these products have shaped the sound of popular music over the past five decades.
Overall, Inspire the Music is an exceptional book that documents the history of Roland, a company that has made a profound impact in the world of music. The book is packed with beautiful images and illustrations, and Bjorn’s writing is engaging and informative. The author has done a fantastic job of detailing the history of Roland’s products while also providing readers with a deep understanding of how these products have shaped the world of music. If you’re a fan of electronic music or have an interest in the history of musical instruments, this book is an absolute must-read.